CultureMap’s first-ever Holiday Pop Up Shop gathered 29 of Houston’s best boutiques under roof. It also drew a coterie of style setting fashion bloggers who teamed up with the various stores, adding their own touch to the event.
Roz Pactor of My Red Glasses did double duty, teaming up with Andrea Montgomery Designs and Shop the Symphony. Both have special meaning for her.
“I have known Andrea since she started and have continued to follow her and am so proud of her success,” Pactor says. “I have a great appreciation for the symphony. They have always supported my brother (singer Steve Tyrell) and April has done a fabulous job bringing in great products for Shop the Symphony.”
“I really like that Big Yoga offers a class for kids and parents at the same time. There’s a great sense of community there."
Candace Thomas was the brand ambassador for Big Yoga/Big and Juicy Juice Bar and Cuatro. Her Luxe with Kids blog covers everything from health and wellness to well-appointed living, all from a mom’s point of view.
“I really like that Big Yoga offers a class for kids and parents at the same time. There’s a great sense of community there,” Thomas says. Cuatro is tops for her because of the store’s unique finds quality, with an emphasis on the different.
Blogger Megan Silianoff of Greetings from Texas, is fond of 10,000 Villages for many of the same reasons. The non-profit shop is chock full of beautifully handcrafted items made by artisans from around the world.
“I like the idea of being about to support people and their communities,” Silianoff says.
Members of Houston’s art communities shine at Manoosh, a collection of scarves taken from canvas to fabric. Lauren Mills of Sunday Beach raved about the scarves, the process, and the joy of supporting art and fashion within the Houston community.
Shop and Twirl blogger Miranda Jones teamed up with Sweet Suri Jewels and lauded designer Layla Asgari for her innovation.
“She designs everything herself and her business is self-made. She grew up her brand through social media, which is a unique way to approach growing a business,” Jones says.
Laurie Pickei and Jessica Henning, the faces behind Ruthie and Rose, repped Space Montrose and applaud its distinct offerings for everyone on your list.
“It’s a great spot for local finds and gifts. We love the variety and the cute baby clothes,” Pickei says.
Houstonista’s Mishelle Echeverria’s filed Katie Design under the “Designers She Loves” tab on her blog, and let her followers know there would be brand new pieces ready for the CultureMap Pop Up.
“Her jewelry is amazing and there is something for everybody,” Echeverria says.
We Wear Things bloggers Issa Chou and Fifi Phi were the duo ambassadors for Pomp & Circumstance, and they are fans of the handmade jewelry and Texas-tinged gifting available at the adorable shop.
French Cuff is a favorite of Alexandra Carreno this holiday season as she navigates the December events calendar, especially since her birthday falls between Christmas and New Year. And just what does the Adored by Alex blogger recommend?
“I have cozy cashmere for Christmas and a great DVF dress for my birthday. It’s affordable quality,” Carreno says.
“Sam and lilli has that great California style, that’s casual and cool. WildBloom’s jewelry is perfect for gifts and is really well-priced.”
Anybody with a blog called Girl Around Town knows a thing or two about the boutique scene and Leigh Evans, brand ambassador for Sam & lilli and WildBloom Boutique, knows just what she loves about both.
“Sam and lilli has that great California style, that’s casual and cool. WildBloom’s jewelry is perfect for gifts and is really well-priced,” she says.
Guys Shopping Power
Girls weren’t the only ones having fun at the holiday pop up shop. Magen Pastor did double duty with men’s shop Manready Mercantile as well as Cakewalk Style Shop, a sweet shopping spot.
“I love the Manready guys,” Pastor says. “I love their mission to support local makers and dreamers. I've seen them grow from a very small line of candles, bath salts and really unique whiskey wax glasses to a two-story shop on 19th Street.”
Pastor is curating a Women's Weekend with Manready Mercantile this weekend (Dec. 13 and 14). Pastor’s gifts-to-give list from Cakewalk Style Shop includes the Chan Luu sequin bralette, Cakewalk’s signature "Like Letter" necklaces and designer sunglasses.
From Prosecco to Plaid's Julie Bortnick teamed up with the new Brooke Feather boutique in River Oaks Shopping Center and said she loves the shop and its namesake owner.
“I absolutely loved being paired with Brooke Feather because not only do I adore Brooke herself, but her store is my ideal place to shop. Her assortment is full of comfortable pieces that take on an edgy, yet laid back vibe,” Bortnick says.
Veronika Javor Romeis and Laurier Blanc were a dynamic duo at the pop up shop, and in Javor Romeis' blog Vernonika Blushing, she raved about the Houston boutiques selection of home decor and gifts such as tassel necklaces, Nest candles and even baby items.
Even the best shopping powerhouses need a little sustenance and Phoenicia Specialty Foods was on hand serving up spices, oils, candy and snack boxes. Morgan Jankovic, the blogger behind The Foodie Chef, paired well with the grocery store and suggests spices or chocolate as gifts from Phoenicia.
Houston's hottest fashion bloggers made quite the impression at CultureMap's Holiday Pop-Up Shop. Here are a few: Mishelle Echeverria, Monica Abney, Fifi Phi, Issa Chou and Brittney Carroll.
The new FIGS store will offer a Color Clinic and Customization Station to let shoppers personalize their FIGS uniforms. Photo courtesy of FIGS/Instagram